Hadith Explanation

Make Room

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “A Muslim owes it to his brother that on seeing him, he should move for him a little.” [Baihaqi]

“Once the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) was sitting in the Masjid. A man paid a call and the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) shifted his posture and shrank a little. The man said, ‘O Prophet of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam)! There is ample room here.’ On this the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘A Muslim owes it to his brother that on seeing him, he should move for him a little.’” [Baihaqi]

When you move to make space you are in fact showing with your actions that the other Muslim is welcome. It does not matter whether you know the person or not. These are the manners taught to us by Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). He/she who wishes to be shown Allah’s favour, should behave graciously towards other Muslims in the way taught by Him (subhana wa ta’ala).